Twesh Mishra

Indian Railways is set to unveil a new wagon design policy within two weeks, offering a flexible framework for industries to develop specialized wagons. This move aims to boost rail transport by tailoring designs to specific commodity needs, enhancing efficiency and environmental friendliness. The policy, driven by industry feedback, will allow customization while maintaining safety standards, potentially attracting more businesses to rail logistics.

The Ministry of Heavy Industries has extended by one month the deadline for the global tender under India's rare earth permanent magnet incentive scheme, following requests from multiple stakeholders. The bid due date has been moved from June 29 to July 29, with technical bids now scheduled for opening on July 30.

The government is planning a significant incentive package, potentially worth ₹12,000 crore, to boost electric bus adoption by private fleet operators. This scheme could include interest subvention, credit guarantees, and capital subsidies, aiming to encourage the deployment of 50,000 electric buses over a decade. Officials anticipate this will unlock substantial private investment, mirroring successful government initiatives for public transport.

Hindustan Copper is aiming for Navratna status, according to outgoing CMD Sanjiv Kumar Singh. The company plans to triple ore output by 2029 and has initiated steps to achieve the prestigious designation. Strong financial performance, including a near doubling of net profit and record revenue in FY26, underpins this ambition. Singh highlighted growing copper demand from renewable energy and EVs as a key growth driver.

India is embarking on testing E25 petrol, which contains 25% ethanol, to evaluate its capabilities in vehicles. This initiative seeks to bolster the use of domestic biofuels and diminish crude oil dependency. The Automotive Research Association of India will monitor the mix's effects on vehicle performance and fuel economy across a distance of 150,000 km.

Commuters on the Delhi-Jaipur NH-48 are set for a smoother journey as the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways plans to make the entire stretch barrier-free. Following the successful implementation of a Multi-Lane Free Flow Tolling System at Manoharpura and Daulatpura, the Shahjahanpur toll plaza will also transition. This advanced technology, using ANPR and FASTag, eliminates waiting times, saving fuel and reducing emissions for a seamless travel experience.

The government has greenlit two major highway projects totaling Rs 14,115 crore. A 117.7 km access-controlled highway in Uttar Pradesh, designed for future expansion, will slash travel time between Kanpur and Kabrai by 58%. Additionally, an 8.1 km six-lane road tunnel in Delhi will significantly improve connectivity between West and South Delhi, minimizing disruption to the Southern Ridge Forest. These initiatives aim to boost infrastructure and facilitate efficient traffic flow.

A 117.7 km access-controlled highway in Uttar Pradesh, designed for future expansion, will slash travel time between Kanpur and Kabrai by 58%.

India is set to recycle approximately 16,000 ships in the coming decade, backed by an $8 billion financial commitment. Over 30 Indian ship recycling yards are seeking EU recognition, with several already progressing through compliance. This initiative aims to significantly boost India's contribution to the global circular economy, building on its recent substantial growth in ship recycling volume.

Authorities are set to introduce stringent measures to prevent tampering with electric two and three-wheeler batteries. New regulations will mandate cybersecurity for imported e-rickshaws and scooters, while mobile apps capable of sabotaging existing vehicles, particularly those with Chinese batteries, will be banned.